Eight Indigenous language speakers have begun learning how to interpret sessions at the NWT Legislative Assembly as part of a new training program, the legislature said on Wednesday.
“The launch of this pilot program supports a space in the Legislative Assembly where Indigenous languages are spoken, learned and celebrated,” said speaker Shane Thompson.
“When Indigenous language is represented in sessional proceedings, we build an institution that reflects the people it serves.”
The Legislative Assembly said it received 22 applications for the Interpreter Career Pathway Program.
One interpreter has been selected for each of eight of the territory’s nine Indigenous official languages:
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- Dene Kǝdǝ́;
- Dëne Sųłıné;
- Dene Zhatıé ;
- Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik;
- Inuinnaqtun;
- Inuktitut;
- Inuvialuktun; and
- Tłı̨chǫ.
Because the legislature does not currently have a nēhiyawēwin (Cree) interpreter, it said the language is not part of the training program.
“The Legislative Assembly recognizes this gap, as well as its responsibilities under the Official Languages Act, and is actively working to identify and recruit qualified nēhiyawēwin interpreters who are interested in this specialized field of work,” Wednesday’s news release said.
The pilot program began with a two-day orientation at the Yellowknife Ski Club and NWT Legislative Assembly.
Interpreters and their trainees will participate in 18 days of in-person training, virtual mentorship and skill development, the legislature said.
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Relentless Indigenous Woman Co is developing the curriculum with help from the current Legislative Assembly interpreters. The legislature said trainees in the program will learn theoretical knowledge, terminology development and their role as language carriers, while also shadowing interpreters during Legislative Assembly sessional proceedings.
Caitlin Cleveland, the minister of education, culture and employment, said the program supports capacity building and language revitalization.
“When Indigenous languages are spoken in public and political spaces like the Legislative Assembly, they take their rightful place in government and society,” she stated.
“Our interpreters are central to this work. Their participation and mentorship make this new program possible and show residents and the world the value of Indigenous languages.”
The program runs until March 2027.
